Improvement in metallic counter-supports for boots and shoes



H. G. BABCOC K & L. M. MD RRISDN.

Metallic Counter-Supports for Boots. and Shoes.

Patented May 18, M875.

FIG. 1.

UNITED .TATES PATENT FFIC HENRY c. BABUOOK AND LoUIs M. MORRISON, orBENN-INGTON, VERMONT.

IMPROVEMENT IN METALLIC COUNTER-SUPPORTS FOR BOOTS AND SHOES.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 163,349, dated May 18,1875; application filed March 10, 1875.

To all whom it may concern Be it known that we, HENRY O. BABCOGK andLOUIS M. MORRISON, of Bennington, in the county of Bennington and Stateof Vermont, have invented an Improved Metallic Counter-Support for Bootsand Shoes, of which the following is a specification:

The object of this invention is to provide an article which can easilybe attached to the heel, or between the heel and the counter, of bootsand shoes, and which will resist and counteract the tendency to runover, which tendency may arise from improper construction of the boot orshoe, from using poor ma terial in the counter or back, or both, or froma predilection in the wearer to crowd the counter to either side.

In the drawings hereto annexed, Figure 1 shows the external appearanceof our metallic countersupport as attached to a boot. Fig. 2 shows themode of applying and fastening the counter-support to a boot, and theview is a vertical cross-section through a boot taken on the line a a,Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a perspective View of the support detached from theboot.

This device consists of a concave supporting-lip, A, havingprotrudingfrom its lower end or'angle an extension, D, terminating intwo tangs, B B. The angle formed by the junction of the part D with thelip A is re-enforced by the enlargement O, which enlargement is madewith a slightly downward-projecting ledge or shoulder, s s, the functionof which is to increase the base-support, and to provide for coveringany crack or opening which may be made by attaching the counter-support.The part D and tangs B B may or may not be made so as to be bent intoeither of the two shapes shown when applied as in Fig. 2; but we preferto make them of material sufficiently yielding to permit of their beingbent just inside of the angle,and also of having the extremities bent,as seen in Fig. 2, where the extremity of the tang is seen bent downwardand penetrating the heel. When the counter-support is applied orattached after the boot is finished, we prefer to construct it with theslot or space between the two tan gs, extending back, as shown by thedotted line J to the angle aforesaid. When the countersupport isintroduced in the process of the manufacture of the boot or shoe it isdone after the boot or shoe is lasted, and before the heel is built up;the supporter having the extremities of the two tangs B B first bent inthe shape shown at a, Fig. 2, and the support itself being placed in itsappropriate position with reference to the insole and counter. The heel,having previously been laid up, is then driven down and upon the pointsn, and then and there securely attachedto the insole in the usual way.When the supporter, in the form shown in the left'hand side of Fig. 2,is attached, two holes are bored into the heel, in the line shown from Sto Gr, into which the two tangs are entered. They are then driven home,and the points of the tangs B B are clinched in the manner shown byinserting an iron last in the boot or shoe when the tangs are driven in.The boss or projection G is to strengthen the angle, as aforesaid, aswell as to form a head to facilitate the driving of the support to itsseat and position.

We have shown the tan gs barbed for the purpose of securing a firmerhold on the leather; but this may not be necessary. The construction ofthis counter-support admits of the head or lip A being introducedbetween the counter and the back of the boot during the process ofmanufacture, and when so'applied only a trifling modification of itscontour is necessary.

Having thus described our invention, what we claim as new, and desire tosecure by Letters Patent, is-

The described protector and metallic counter-support for boots andshoes, consisting of the flexible barbed tangsB B and a supporting-lip,A, adapted to be applied as shown.

In testimony whereof we have hereunto severally afiixed our respectivehands this 25th day of February, 1875.

HENRY O. BABCOOK. LOUIS M. MORRISON. Witnesses:

M. B. Scorr, M. A. FORD.

